"J. Edgar"

The subject of the film is John Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI, and a man with more than a few skeletons in his closet, the Director is two time Oscar Winner Clint Eastwood, and a cast most Producers would sell their mothers for. Did this great combination create a winning movie?

Yes and no is the simple if rather cryptic answer. The film is well put together, but like "The Iron Lady" it has a lot of material to address and at times some things are merely glanced at. It is clear the Hoover was very close to his mother, and when she died, this is possibly what triggered his fascination with wearing womens clothing. It looks in great detail about his acheivements, the fact that he became the first Director of the FBI, or that he was instrumental in the use of finger prints to solve crimes.
His rise to the top of the FBI is fast, and once there he only wants the very best officers to serve under him. Also anyone who may look as though are getting equal or more praise & acclaim than Hoover are swiftly moved to other departments.
The film also looks at the relationship that developed between Hoover and his second in command, Clyde Tolson. There has been frequent debate over the years about the nature of the relationship. In the film it is hinted that it was more than just a working relationship, but it also hints that if there were any gay tendancies that they were more on the side of Tolson than Hoover.

An all star cast bring this mammoth story to the screen, from Dame Judi Dench as Hoover's mother, to Armie Hammer as Clyde Tolson. As ever, Leonardo DiCaprio gives another amazing performance in the title role. He has an intensity that you cannot tear yourself from. There will surely come a day when this great actor is an Oscar Winner.

Given the subject matter and the creative team behind the film, it should have been compelling for all of the 137 minutes of its running time, but sadly it did wander a little at times, and this is a shame as it had the capabiltity to be a truly great film

7 out of 10